Arcata, CA – For more than 40 years Kokatat has been keeping paddlers warm and comfortable by focusing on keeping water out. Starting in Spring 2012 Kokatat will also be keeping paddlers warmer with a baselayer collection that features a unique paddling specific construction designed to be compatible with Kokatat’s leading dry suits, tops and pants.

“Staying warm is as important as keeping dry when out on the water,” said Jeff Turner, Kokatat sales and marketing manager. “Our new insulating baselayers are designed to fit perfectly under our outerwear pieces, so no matter the conditions we offer the ultimate combination to keep paddlers warm, dry, and comfortable.”

Each piece in the collection of wet and dry baselayers features a number of paddling specific elements that compliment Kokatat’s dry suits, tops, and pants and enhance the paddling experience. The neck on each top has a jersey style collar and the length and finish on the sleeves are designed for compatibility under tops with gaskets. For additional comfort raglan sleeves keep the PFD contact points in the shoulder area free of seams, while a seamless underarm panel reduces bulk for unrestricted paddling strokes. Each garment also has a longer rear torso for full coverage when seated.

Dry Baselayers:
WoolCore, a lightweight Polartec® Power Dry® wool/recycled polyester blend fabric, combines the warmth of wool with the superior moisture wicking and dry time of polyester. Designed as a mid-weight baselayer, WoolCore provides a superior weight to warmth ratio and regulates body temperature by controlling the rate of evaporative cooling in a package that paddlers will feel as good in as they feel good about. WoolCore is entirely made in the U.S.A. The super-soft, chlorine-free wool is grown in the Rocky Mountains, blended with 100% recycled polyester in New England and cut and sewn in California for a low carbon footprint. WoolCore will be available in men’s and women’s long and short sleeve shirts and pants.

The silk weight BaseCore layer has been specifically designed to work in concert with a Kokatat dry suit or top to keep paddlers warm and comfortable. The polypropylene inner knit is hydrophilic and aids in rapidly moving moisture away from the body, keeping the paddler dryer while its low thermal conductivity results in less heat loss. BaseCore is made in the U.S.A and will be available in men’s and women’s long and short sleeve shirts and pants.

OuterCore provides the additional insulation needed on colder days. Made with Polartec® Power Dry®, this 4-way stretch, 92% recycled content fabric can be worn on its own or layered with Kokatat BaseCore or WoolCore. OuterCore’s Velour back quickly transports moisture from the body while it’s tightly knit jersey face provides a smooth surface for easy layering with outer suits and tops. OuterCore is made in the U.S.A and will be available in men’s and women’s long and short sleeve shirts, pants, and one-piece liners.

Wet Insulators:
The SunCore rashgaurd insulators are made with a lightweight, high-stretch construction of polyester and spandex that absorb very little water and dry quickly. Flat stitched seams prevent chafing, while its lightweight and UPF 30+ protection make SunCore perfect for warmer days on its own or under a paddletop. SunCore will be available in men’s and women’s long and short sleeve shirts.

NeoCore is made with a 4-way stretch lightweight 0.5mm neoprene fabric for great paddling mobility and additional insulation for warmer days on colder waters or vice versa. The water shedding capabilities of the fabric is enhanced with a permanent Durable Water Resistant (DWR) coating that protects from splashes and provides less evaporative heat loss. On the interior a polyester lining gives plush feel next to skin for superior comfort. NeoCore will be available in men’s and women’s long and short sleeve shirts and shorts.

The Kokatat family of baselayers will be available at better paddlesport dealers in Spring 2012.

About Kokatat Watersports Wear (ORSM Booth #33051):

Celebrating 40 years of innovation, Kokatat is an independently operated, US manufacturer of technical apparel and accessories for water sports. Handcrafted in Arcata, California, Kokatat employees are focused on building the finest functional product for people who work and play on water. Our gear is designed for paddlers, by paddlers, ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience on the water all year long and in all weather conditions. Into the water with Kokatat! Please visit www.kokatat.com and follow Kokatat on Facebook and Twitter “@kokatat”.

Michael Collin
Director • 207.619.4253
Pale Morning Media • Public relations for the outdoor world
Box 7316 • Portland, ME 04102